Novak Djokovic, the Serbian legend, has officially withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open citing vaccine mandate reasons. The Serbian Tennis star, earlier, said that he’ll never get vaccinated and added that he’ll pay the price for it. Djokovic last participated in Cincinnati Open in the year 2020 and won the tournament as well.
The Serbian has been very adamant about not getting vaccinated and has said that no matter what happens, he would never get jabbed. This stance had cost him the chance of getting to defend the Australia Open early this year. Speaking of his Cincinnati stint, the 35-year-old won his maiden title in 2018 after losing his first five finals at the Masters 1000 event in Ohio.
He defeated Roger Federer in the 2018 final and became the first player to complete a career Golden Masters in singles i.e. winning all nine Masters 1000 events on tour at least once. Djokovic outplayed Milos Raonic in the 2020 final to clinch his second Cincinnati title.
Other men who have withdrawn from the field in the tournament include defending champion Alexander Zverev — the 2020 U.S. Open runner-up who tore his ankle ligaments at the French Open in June — and injured players Gael Monfils, Reilly Opelka, Oscar Otte, and Dominic Thiem. Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins pulled out of the women’s draw because of a neck injury, while three-time major champion Angelique Kerber made a scheduling change and opted not to compete in Cincinnati.
Serena Williams has entered the field for what is expected to be one of her last appearances on tour.
